3/17/2013 |
Bradley still making his case for roster spotManager John Farrell had a little smile Sunday morning when he was asked if outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr.'s left-handed bat might make sense if the Red Sox head north without Stephen Drew and David Ortiz.

3/17/2013 |
Escalona happy with result despite ball off faceWhen his left jaw stopped hurting, thanks to ice, and Rockies relief pitcher Edgmer Escalona was ruled concussion-free, thanks to new attention and precautionary handling, he could finally enjoy a small-but-important accomplishment.

3/17/2013 |
Rockies are considering carrying extra pitchersThe Rockies are still toying with the idea of carrying 13 pitchers during lengthy homestands, given the high number of heavy bullpen use in games at Coors Field, and going back to 12 for long road trips.

3/17/2013 |
Tuiasosopo opening eyes with impressive powerMatt Tuiasosopo says he isn't doing anything differently this week than what he was doing for two weeks prior. He's the same hitter he's always been. There are no major adjustments to explain the tear he has found himself on over the last seven days.

3/17/2013 |
Woman who inspired 'The Natural' movie diesThe inspiration -- namely, the woman who shot a Major Leaguer in her hotel room -- behind the movie, "The Natural," has died. Ruth Ann Steinhagen, a crazed Cubs fan who baited Phillies first baseman Eddie Waitkus into meeting with her in 1949, actually passed away in December.

3/17/2013 |
Abe, Posey are Giants of the gameThe Giants' catcher steps into the batter's box at AT&T Park for a nighttime batting-practice session. The repeated sounds of bat and ball colliding violently cause reporters to turn their heads to watch each shot streak over the right-field wall. No, his name isn't Buster Posey.

3/17/2013 |
Headley jams thumb, Opening Day in doubtThird baseman Chase Headley, coming off one of the best single-season performances in Padres history, could miss Opening Day because of an injured left thumb.

3/17/2013 |
Shaky third inning plagues Lynn's outingRight-hander Lance Lynn allowed five runs on nine hits over 3 2/3 innings in his fourth start of the spring Sunday afternoon, a loss to the Marlins.

3/17/2013 |
Dominicans looking to rewrite Classic historyThough members of both teams have tried to play it down, the Dominican Republic-Kingdom of the Netherlands grudge match in the semifinals on Monday night at AT&T Park has become one of the most talked about clashes in this year's World Baseball Classic.

3/17/2013 |
Murphy could be out past Opening DayFor the first time all spring, the Mets are considering the realistic possibility that second baseman Daniel Murphy will not be ready for Opening Day.

3/17/2013 |
Sisk to undergo Tommy John surgeryLeft-hander Brandon Sisk, acquired as a throw-in from the Royals in exchange for Ervin Santana and most of his salary, is expected to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery within the next couple of weeks.

3/17/2013 |
Reds getting closer to decision on ChapmanBy Sunday afternoon, Reds general manager Walt Jocketty had heard all about pitcher Aroldis Chapman's public wishes to remain as the team's closer. Jocketty did not want to discuss the issue in depth. It's not a lock that Chapman will get what he wants, however.

3/17/2013 |
Choo day to day with back spasmsReds center fielder Shin-Soo Choo was out of the lineup Sunday, one day after he had to be scratched with back spasms.

3/17/2013 |
Braun, Lucroy reflect on Classic experienceThere's a dichotomy inherent in Team USA's experience in the World Baseball Classic that both Jonathan Lucroy and Ryan Braun pointed out as they returned to Brewers camp Sunday following elimination Friday from the second round of the tournament.

3/17/2013 |
Maddon not overly concerned about Rodney's workloadThere is no question that Rays closer Fernando Rodney has been one of the top performers in this year's World Baseball Classic. The right-hander has saved five of the Dominican Republic's six wins in the tournament, allowing just one hit and no runs over 5 1/3 innings of work. But can it be too much of a good thing?

3/17/2013 |
Niese deals strong outing, but Mets fallJon Niese gave up only one run in five innings, but the Mets' sole offense came on Jordany Valdespin's leadoff home run in the first inning as they picked up a 2-1 loss to the Braves on Sunday.

3/17/2013 |
Yankees release outfielder DiazThe Yankees have released outfielder Matt Diaz, trimming a contender from their spring search for a right-handed bat. Diaz, 35, hit .200 (6-for-30) with no extra-base hits and two RBIs in 13 spring games for New York.

3/17/2013 |
Baez heading to Minor League camp on MondayJavier Baez, who hit four home runs over back-to-back games, will officially be assigned to Minor League camp on Monday. The shortstop has definitely made an impression in his first big league spring camp but still has some things to learn.

3/17/2013 |
Halladay leaves after one inning with stomach virusThe Phillies were hoping that ace right-hander Roy Halladay would pitch well enough against the Orioles on Sunday to prove that his previous start, in which he gave up six runs in 2 2/3 innings, was nothing to worry about. He never had a chance. Halladay left the game at Bright House Field after one inning with what was described as a stomach virus.